You are here

Eustace's thoughts on Preston...

Posted: August 16, 2017

Thank you to everyone expressing support as I try to survive losing my best friend of 35 years. Preston’s constant loyal support and inspiration was the best thing I ever had in my life. His kindness and humble talent were unsurpassed. Because Preston was such a giving, supportive person he helped many thousands of students and friends, always improving their life.

When Preston unexpectedly died of just-detected liver cancer he was already financially challenged; He had put off working on his own leaking roof, to make time to help so many others - Truly a testament of extending himself out to support his community in so many ways. I have never met a more genuine person and I have never, ever witnessed a man love his wife more generously and completely and committedly than Preston loved Kathleen. Thanks to all who have responded in honor of Preston by sending money to Kathleen as she adjusts to the loss of her husband, with no income. So many kind people have donated 5, 10 or $20 through this site: https://www.gofundme.com/in-honor-of-preston-roberts– that it has added up to quite a wonderful honoring, representing all of our love and appreciation for Preston and his life of making this world and our lives better. We have already used some of the donated money to fix the leaking roof on their house. He was so dedicated to helping many others that he never got his own house fixed. Thanks to the roofers who put the metal on and the friends and fans who donated to make it possible.

Kathleen is to tears in appreciation. Preston recently helped nurse her back to good health from stage 4 cancer herself.. I could write a book on the astonishing merits of Preston James Roberts. Most of his tv fans don’t even know the tip of the iceberg. Yet, they sense how important his message is.

Preston was one of the most manly men I ever met. I would want him at my back in the most fierce fight, yet I want to leave you with a rare and intimate photograph of Preston half-naked in winter, wearing a pink tutu trying to bring a smile to the face of his beloved wife Kathleen as she was battling her own cancer. His plan worked! She smiled, and made it. Preston’s love for Kathleen and good work knew no boundaries. If we could encourage and instill in our youth of today to be even a little bit more like Preston, our world would be a much better place. I'm reminded of the quote:

“When you were born, you cried and the people rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die… You rejoice and the people cry.”

Comments

I am sorry and sadden to learn about the loss of Preston. I came to know Preston and Eustace from watching Mountain Men on the History Channel. I never met Preston but he was the kind of person I would be proud to call my Friend; an honest, trust-worthy, and peaceful man. Preston reminds me of Dan Blocker, “Hoss”, from the old TV-show Bonanza. Preston like Dan Blocker possessed a gentle and kind soul. Preston was Blessed by God, Touched by Jesus, and Filled with the Holy Spirit. My deepest sympathy. May God Bless, Kathleen, Eustace, and the Roberts Family.

So sorry for your loss. We have been dedicated watchers for many years. Both my wife and I were socked to learn of the passing of Preston. I have a friend 45years that passed recently and I can feel you loss. I have another friend of 50 years and I would really feel his loss when it happens. In todays world friendship are very important. We have a place outside Jefferson City on Cherokee Lake. I believe that is not too far from you. I would love to meet you just once. Best wishes and keep doing the show. We both love all of you on Mtn.men. God bless

though i've never met either preston or eustace,some how i consider them friends.i live alone in the woods and whenever i would see them on tv i would feel as though i was right there with them doing all those cool things they were doing.they brought me so much happines in times that weren't so happy.i would watch mountain men reruns over any thing else that was on,and yes that was to see preston and eustace in action.when i heard about preston i felt as if i had lost a friend.it wasn't till now that i could even think of the words to say.god bless his wife.preston will always live on in peoples heart.yes,there were actually 2 last american men.peace be with all of you.robin

My heart goes out to you, Eustice, and Kathleen and the Roberts family. My heart sunk when I found out that Preston had passed. Though I have never met any of you, I feel as though I know you all, and have developed a sense of camaraderie with you all, valuing the similarities and also the quality of character that you and Preston have always shown. I know your heart is broken, and you are grieving. My prayers go out for you all that God comforts you in your loss and grief. God bless.

Oh what sad news. My heartfelt empathy, sympathy and good wishes go out for now and always to those who really knew him. And from what we saw of him on the TV, Preston was one of life's true diamonds: A no-nonsense, hard-working, fun-loving, wonderful, warm hearted person. I was truly saddened, and shared some of your pain when I learnt of his passing. I am not too proud in the least to admit to a some tears when I first realised (I am in the London, England and so I am a little behind when it comes to keeping up with Turtle Island).

I have grown to love and respect Preston and Eustace's part of the show, most importantly the way you two worked together and the reasons for being at Turtle Island (living in nature).

There are no words which will ease the pain of such a loss, but he will be forever with you in your hearts, and I hope that way his memory will forever live on.

What a wonderful, wonderful man - and that's just from the very little we were introduced to him on the TV - in real life I can only imagine the goodness and quality in his character.

Stumbling upon your beautiful world through the great (spider) web, I was so moved by your life's work and am sorry to hear of your recent loss. May you find your friend is not too far away, but all around you and free of time.

I'm so sorry for you loss. I'm a 53 yo nurse been married for long time. I have never missed an episode of mountain men. I do have to say turtle island is my favorite, I grew up in slc and loved the mountains. What you and Preston have done is epic beyond my imagination. I would love to come visit and be a part of you life time experience. It's breathtaking to me. May you continue on you beautiful journey. Let me know what I need to do to visit this magical place on gods green earth.
.

Although I didn't personally know Preston, I felt as though I had lost a friend, when I saw the "in memory of" after an episode of Mountain Men. I sat in my living room and cried like a baby. After reading an article about his passing, and the kind, loving, and wonderful man he was, my cries turned into sobs. My condolences to Kathleen and her family, as well as to Eustace and all who were lucky enough to know and love him.

That was beautifully written and I love the picture. Sorry to hear of Preston's passing. He was always so calm on the show, and helped his friend Eustace in every adventure and job to be done on Mountain Men. I will miss him, I know his friends and family will too. God bless

I am sorry to learn about the passing on of your dearest friend, Preston. Rest assured his legacy will never die and his kind and courageous spirit will be with you always. There are some folk God strategically places in our life journey that we will never forget and always remember. His legacy will live through you. I suggest you name one of your many gardens, Preston's Place. RIP Preston and thank you for all that you gave to this life journey.

Dear Eustace and Kathleen, just numb from the news as I'm sure you are still. Preston was such a good man, friend, husband, giver .hank you for sharing him with the world. God has a bigger plan for us all and when it is our time, we must put aside our chores on this earth for a special place with God in heaven. Know that you are loved Kathleen and Eustace and know that you are wished great things in the days to come. My heart is broken for you. God Bless You

How shocked and sad we were to hear of Preston's sudden passing. I'll never forget the sound of his voice as the truck went crashing down the mountain. Such a good soul. I can't imagine the sadness at Turtle Island....we live close in Knoxville, will try and visit your place soon. RIP Preston.

Thank you for sharing your friend's story. Grateful that you both were there for each other for so many years. Me and my husband have enjoyed watching your friendship on the show and hoped we could make it to your workshops one day. RIP Preston

So sad to hear of Preston's passing, I have been following mountain men from the beginning and Preston was my favourite, I always felt happy when both of you were on tv, I wish I knew Preston
Always thinking of he
Padraig
Tipperary
Ireland

I only just found out about your program this season. Did not miss a showing. The friendship you shared with Preston was so calming and truthful. Not many people receive this gift in a lifetime. You were both very blessed. May God be with you and Prestons family and as you continue your lives until you all meet again.

Preston really was the closest man to being like my papaw. Soft spoken but a serious worker, like papaw he gave blood sweat and tears into what he held dearest to his heart. Eustace you are a lucky man to be in his presence for so many years. God blessed him and you. He knew that you two have something special between you. One day I'm gonna make my way to turtle island just to shake your hand. Amazing, truly amazing. It was like I stepped back into the days my papaw was teaching me the way of life. Eustace, I will make good on that hand shake and when I do u will remember reading this. Papaw is still in my heart. You can count on that hand shake. And it will be an honor and privilege and to me a humbling experience. You and Preston are what this country needs to follow. The legacy will live on forever. The corner store has been set by you two. Love and peace to my neighbor R.I.P brother

I was not blessed to know Preston Roberts, but he was the kind of a man that I have tried to be.
The tv show connected on so many levels, l know the bond that Eustis and Preston shared. Know that Preston may have died but l know his presence will be at turtle island, as long as it exists.
Know God's plan for us is unknown, but we must carry on.
Rest High on that Mountian Preston Roberts.

Eustace, I have been watching you and Preston for quite a while, absolutely love you too. I just found this web-site while looking for Turtle Island to be able to come for a visit. Just wanted to express my heart felt sorrow for you loosing Preston; I could see the love you have for your friend. I was totally blown away to learn of his passing. I have been praying for God to give you comfort in your life knowing he is with the Lord watching you live your dream. I am planning to come for my vacation this year. Hope to get to see you.

I have been watching "Mountain Men" for many seasons now and have fondly watched Preston and Eustice working on their many projects. I have always had a great deal of pride for those who are willing to show others "the old ways of doing things" - I first learned of Preston's passing through a friend while backpacking in the Cascade Mountains this summer. As a young man I poured over the Foxfire Books to learn the "old ways" and gleaned many things along my own path in life, sure technology has made things better - but the "old ways" and the craftsmen that still work to show those ways are a treasure. We will greatly miss Preston - but look forward to a time when we will see him in eternity, till that day we express our deepest condolences and pray for Kathleen and Eustice daily.

I learned about Preston's graduation from this life to a better life just a month ago. Only by reading it on this site. It will be very sad to watch Mtn. Men without him this next season. Evidently, from all you have said he truly was an awesome man and friend to have. To Kathleen, God will carry you through this, I lost my husband too. I will pray for you and your children and grandchildren daily. Such a terrible loss. God Bless and keep you.

I`m an academic writer and I`m going to change your lifes onсe and for all
Most of my poems were sold throughout Canada, USA, Old England and even India. Also I`m working with services that help people to save their nerves.
People ask me "Sir, James Bush, I need your professional help " and I always accept the request, `cause I know, that only I can solve all their problems!

Eustace, I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Although I do not actually know you I am filled with a sense of sorrow. The two of you together could solve any situation with great success. I admired your sense of comradery and love your respect and love of life itself! Preston was a wonderful individual who will be dearly missed. I know that you will continue to push forward and accomplish anything that this life will throw at you! My sincere condolences to you and to Preston's family!

I am sorry for the loss of your friend Preston. It is hard for people to find a best friend especially one that is willing to give of themselves as Preston did for so many. my prayers for you, Eustace, as well for Kathleen and her family.

I am sorry for the loss of your friend Preston. It is hard for people to find a best friend especially one that is willing to give of themselves as Preston did for so many. my prayers for you, Eustace, as well for Kathleen and her family.

I am sorry for the loss of your friend Preston. It is hard for people to find a best friend especially one that is willing to give of themselves as Preston did for so many. my prayers for you, Eustace, as well for Kathleen and her family.

Hello Eustace, our late condolences from France. We discovered the show recently. I'm a disabled Vet living in France an my girlfriend is a skinny little frenchie that never been oudoors. She fell in love with the show and is talking about going to NC to visit or attend a class at Turtle Island.

We really enjoy watching you on TV and we're very sorry about Preston.

I`m an academic writer and I`m going to change your lifes onсe and for all
Most of my poems were sold throughout Canada, USA, Old England and even India. Also I`m working with services that help people to save their time.
People ask me "Please, Skott, I need your professional help" and I always accept the request, `cause I know, that only I can solve all their problems!

I am sorry to hear about Preston I have been a mountain man fan since day one . You and Preston we're my favorite on the show, your ability to make things and fix things without all the modern conveniences was absolutely fascinating my heart feels for you Eustis. Mountain Men will never quite be the same without Preston. God bless.

I'm sorry for your loss of Preston. You and Preston made Mountain Men the best. My husband and I always looked forward to seeing you both on the show. I really liked the special Chicken, Pig recycle pen.

I kept wondering why the show wasn't returning and kept seeing the "In Remembrance of Preston" on the shows beginning and ending. I was shocked to read about Preston. I'll miss him not being on the show. What a great thing you did for Preston's wife.

I hope you will consider going back and making more episodes of Mountain Men. You taught so many people some great "out of the box" ideas. Many people learned from the Mountain Men show. It's one of the best show's in Reality TV.

hi Eustache . i and family are all sad about the fact of mister Preston Roberts death . we feel how he was and stay a great friend of you . we are sure you will stay in touch with him in your mind . we would like to thank you for your way of life description . we were in Asheville nc four years ago and love your to visit friends and love your place . big hugs from France , near Bordeaux . email address : sandrine.dallay@cegetel.net . ps : keep safe !

I`m an academic writer and I`m going to change your lifes onсe and for all
Most of my books were sold throughout Canada, USA, Old England and even Russia. Also I`m working with services that help people to save their time.
People ask me "Sir, Mcclane, I need your professional help" and I always accept the request, `cause I know, that only I can save their time!

From France : I discover the TV program where you are often together with your deceased friend Preston Robert, please accept and also his wife my deepest sympathy at your loss.
I understand and admire your hard life, free and alone in the wilderness, Thank you for proving that it is always possible, Namasté

From France : I discover the TV program where you are often together with your deceased friend Preston Robert, please accept and his wife too my deepest sympathy at your loss.
I understand and admire your hard life, free and alone in the wilderness, thank you for proving that it is always possible. Namasté

From Northern Ireland: As like many I've been enthralled, entertained and schooled by yourself and Preston through the tv show. Prestons legacy lives on and lives on through you Eustace. Life is about peaks and troughs, it's how we react to the troughs that separates us. Sending you many blessings. RIP Preston